Support Us

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation was founded thanks to the vision of an extraordinary man, Edward James, who was passionate about teaching traditional heritage and craft skills. Today we run a world class education programme thanks to the continuing vision of many extraordinary and talented tutors, crafts people and supporters of our work.

If you share our passion for historic conservation and the arts, and for our tranquil and inspiring gardens and grounds, please become more involved.

Become a Friend, offer a scholarship or bursary to a promising student, or pledge a gift in your will. Your support will make a vital and lasting difference.

Ways to Give

Your gift enables us to provide education in conservation and creative arts and preserve the rich heritage of West Dean. Find out about how you can make your gift tax-efficient.

Appeals

Become a Friend of West Dean

West Dean College and Gardens is a special place; inspiring, tranquil and yet full of creative energy. Become a Friend of West Dean and enjoy unlimited visits, get exclusive access to events and discounts, and support our work to inspire learning in arts and conservation. Be part of the story!

Scholarships and Bursaries

Restoring our Roof, Securing our Future

West Dean House, home to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, is a Grade II listed building of cultural and historical significance and we have made a promise to invest in protecting our heritage and the priceless Collection within it. This starts with restoring the 126 year old roof of the House.

Our Fundraising Promise

So many of the wonderful things that happen at West Dean College and Gardens are made possible thanks to your support and generosity.

We are a proud member of The Fundraising Regulator which is how you know that when you make a donation to us you can be confident that our fundraising is legal, open, honest and respectful.

This is our fundraising promise to you.

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We commit to high standards

We adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice

We monitor fundraisers, volunteers and third parties working with us to raise funds, to ensure that they comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice and with this Promise

We comply with the law as it applies to charities and fundraising

We display the Fundraising Regulator badge on our fundraising material to show we are committed to good practice

We are clear, honest and open

We tell the truth and we do not exaggerate

We do what we say we are going to do with donations we receive

We are clear about who we are and what we do

We give a clear explanation of how you can make a gift and change a regular donation

If we ask a third party to fundraise on our behalf, we will make this relationship and the financial arrangement transparent

We can explain our fundraising costs and show how they are in the best interests of our cause if challenged

We ensure our complaints process is clear and easily accessible

We provide clear and evidence-based reasons for our decisions on complaints

We are respectful

We respect your rights and privacy

We will not put undue pressure on you to make a gift. If you do not want to give or wish to cease giving, we will respect your decision

We have a procedure for dealing with people in vulnerable circumstances and it is available on request

Where the law requires, we will gain your consent before we contact you to fundraise

If you tell us that you don’t want us to contact you in a particular way we will not do so.

We are fair and reasonable

We treat donors and the public fairly, showing sensitivity and adapting our approach depending on your needs

We take care not to use any images or words that intentionally cause distress or anxiety

We take care not to cause nuisance or disruption to the public

We are accountable and responsible

We manage our resources responsibly and consider the impact of our fundraising on our donors, supporters and the wider public

If for any reason, you are unhappy with anything we’ve done whilst fundraising, we hope you’ll contact us and tell us. We will listen to your feedback and respond appropriately to any compliments or criticism we receive

We have a complaints procedure, a copy of which is available on request. This also explains how to contact the Fundraising Regulator in the event that you feel our response is unsatisfactory

We monitor and record the number of complaints we receive each year and share this data with the Fundraising Regulator on request

If you have any questions or would like to speak to us about our fundraising promise then you can email us at fundraising@westdean.org.uk or call us on 01243 818256.

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Help preserve our future

West Dean is part of a registered charity and relies on the
support of generous donors, friends, legacies to help us deliver
world-class education in conservation and the creative arts and
maintain our award-winning gardens.